New Delhi, Dec 20: Speculation raged over the possibility of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s son Shaurya Doval formally joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections after he attended Uttarakhand BJP state executive committee meeting in Haldwani on Sunday. 43-year-old Shaurya Doval is currently director of think tank India Foundation, which works closely with the government on policy issues.
Uttarakhand BJP’s executive committee meeting was attended by Chief Minister Trivendra Rawat, party’s Uttarakhand in-charge Shyam Jaju, some state cabinet ministers, BJP MLAs and MPs and party workers. Shaurya Doval was among about 50-60 special invitees, reports Indian Express. Doval’s presence at the meeting left many local BJP leader surprised. The junior Doval, however, dismissed speculation of entering mainstream politics.
“My task is to run the India Foundation. Currently, I am not venturing into politics,” Shaurya Doval, as reported, said. “I was present at the meet (on Sunday) to observe, learn and see whether I can provide any input to the party (BJP),” he added. Uttarakhand BJP president Ajay Bhatt said Doval is part of an advisory group of eight-nine members from whom he takes advice on various issues, especially those related to the economy.
The state BJP chief, however, neither denied nor accepted the possibility of Doval entering politics. “Hum bhavishya mein inka laabh lenge (We will take benefit of his advice and experience in future),” Bhatt was quoted as saying. Doval’s presence at the meeting assumes significance in wake of suggestions that the party’s state unit may have to look for younger faces as some senior BJP leaders are on the verge of political retirement.
Shaurya Doval last month attended a state government programme on Uttarakhand’s economy at ‘Raibaar’, which was organised to celebrate 17 years of the state’s formation. He was also seen seeking votes for Satpal Maharaj, who was fighting the Assembly polls from the constituency in Pauri Garhwal district.